THE TRANSLATORS TO THE READER

Preface to the King James Version 1611

(Not Copyrighted)

HIS MAJESTY'S CONSTANCY, NOTWITHSTANDING CULMINATION,
FOR THE SURVEY OF THE ENGLISH TRANSLATIONS

This, and more to this purpose, His Majesty that now reigneth
(and long, and long may he reign, and his offspring forever, "Himself
and children, and children's always) knew full well, according
to the singular wisdom given unto him by God, and the rare learning
and experience that he hath attained unto; namely that whosoever
attempteth anything for the public (especially if it pertain to
Religion, and to the opening and clearing of the word of God)
the same setteth himself upon a stage to be gloated upon by every
evil eye, yea, he casteth himself headlong upon pikes, to be gored
by every sharp tongue. For he that medleth with men's Religion
in any part, medleth with their custom, nay, with their freehold;
and though they find no content in that which they have, yet they
cannot abide to hear of altering. Notwithstanding his Royal heart
was not daunted or discouraged for this that colour, but stood
resolute, "as a statue immovable, and an anvil not easy to
be beaten into plates," as one [Suidas] saith; he knew who
had chosen him to be a Soldier, or rather a Captain, and being
assured that the course which he intended made for the glory of
God, and the building up of his Church, he would not suffer it
to be broken off for whatsoever speeches or practices. It doth
certainly belong unto Kings, yea, it doth specially belong unto
them, to have care of Religion, yea, it doth specially belong
unto them, to have care of Religion, yea, to know it aright, yea,
to profess it zealously, yea to promote it to the uttermost of
their power. This is their glory before all nations which mean
well, and this will bring unto them a far most excellent weight
of glory in the day of the Lord Jesus. For the Scripture saith
not in vain, "Them that honor me, I will honor,"
[1 Sam 2:30]
neither was it a vain word that Eusebius delivered long
ago, that piety towards God was the weapon and the only weapon,
that both preserved Constantine's person, and avenged him of his
enemies [Eusebius lib 10 cap 8].